carmies birthday

Thanks for inviting us to your birthday lunch at Brio sissie! 

bedtime fairy

 It's about time I get a grip and nip this "little issue" in the bud! Dare for the past 6 months has been falling asleep on our bed, and then once asleep, I put him in his bed.  He has been refusing to go to sleep in his own bed or even in his room (and I just have not wanted to fight it, because his stamina and his stubbornness  make it so unpleasant and so high emotion, and I just don't like him to get that way at bedtime)  So I finally figured out a way to bribe him (although we had to lay with him on his floor while he fell asleep, but he still was in his room and that's a HUGE start)  He was so excited about his prize this morning!

 Meet "The Bedtime Fairy"

the bedtime fairy is sooo proud of Dare for:
*going to bed in his own room last night
*she watched him put a sticker on his chart before bed and again this morning. ..so proud
*while he was sleeping she flew down with her fairy wings and kissed his checks and told him to have sweet dreams
*she has an  idea...maybe tonight it would be much more comfortable if he slept on his own soft bed instead of his floor
*she really hopes he likes the toy she left him for doing such a good job
*she'll see him again in his room Tonight at bedtime

stan crane memorial race

Every year on Memorial Day since 2007 the ICup series sponsors the Stan Crane Memorial Race.  It is an honor for me to go each year and help as a volunteer.  I get choked up and emotional each time as I see the amazing turnout, and feel the love and support for Carmen and her boys from so many family, friends, and strangers. 

throwin rocks

There's something about a boy and his dad in front of a mass of water, and rock throwing.  It just has to happen.  Many times throughout childhood and life.  I am lucky I am married to a man who is an amazing father and remembers this, and all the other small stuff that really matters most! 

mothers day

Happy Mothers Day to all!

 I know I'm a lucky one!

flood

Our lower level flooded.  Torrential rain storms have been our life lately.  This one was particularly fierce.  Fast and furious @ 2 inches in 20 minutes.  The french drains out back could not keep up, so the back stairwell filled with water up to Ryan's waist!  It is providential that he came home in the middle of his work day or the 3-4 inches of water inside would have been double, if not more!  What a disaster!  But, we are lucky that this mess was devastating only to material things and not to any of us! 

The silver linings:

• I got new carpet

• I was able to easily paint Dare's playroom and I have been wanting to do that

• We were reminded how loving and unconditional our families are who came at the drop of a hat to come help where they could

• Now we know what needs to be done to ensure water doesn't creep inside again

lilac love

The lilacs are as pretty as ever this year! Such childhood nostalgia! We love our trees!  All 5 of them!

alley cat

We are so happy for our friends Brenda and Giovanni!

Welcome to the world Alexandra Catherine...AKA Alley Cat! 

We have been anticipating this little girl for a real long time now!! 

 4.20.15